Brentford striker Scott Hogan has been ruled out until at least next April after suffering a second long-term knee injury.
The 23-year-old has been struck down with two serious injuries since joining the Bees from Rochdale last summer.
He made two substitute appearances for his new club last August before sustaining cruciate ligament damage, which ruled him out for the majority of the campaign.
He was targeting a return at the end of this season, but damaged the same knee in training last month and will now not play until spring next year.
"The surgeon is predicting a 12-month period of recovery for Scott," Brentford head of medical Neil Greig told the club website.
"Whilst this period of time may appear like an insurmountable obstacle to most, we have already begun the process of setting short and medium-term goals with Scott, which will ensure that his focus is maintained as he strives for his return to full fitness.
"Scott has already shown incredible desire and attitude since his original injury; it's because of this I can say with absolute confidence that he will overcome the challenges faces in coming months."
Hogan scored 19 goals in his debut Football League season with Rochdale in League Two before his switch to Brentford.
Pascal Lemesre
